US20130291893A1

US20130291893A1 - Broom

Info

Publication number: US20130291893A1
Application number: US13/929,576
Authority: US
Inventors: Gerard Stokes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-11-25
Filing date: 2013-06-27
Publication date: 2013-11-07
Also published as: US20110119846A1

Abstract

The broom having a bottom rod and an offset top rod is provided. Bristles are attached to the bottom of the bottom rod to contact a floor. Connecting the top and bottom rods is a grip rod. The grip rod desirably slants downward toward the floor when the broom bristles contact the floor. Desirably, the grip rod is attached at its bottom end to the bottom rod at an angle α of from about 100° to about 150° preferably 100° to 140°. The grip rod is attached at its top end to the top rod at an angle β of about 100° to about 150°, preferably 100° to 140°. As a result, the grip rod slants downward toward the floor when the broom bristles contact the floor. The grip rod is located a predetermined distance above the bristles so the grip bar can be grasped when the bristles contact the floor by the user in a standing position.

Description

This application is a divisional on Ser. No. 12/592,467 filed Nov. 25, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is brooms. In particular the invention relates to a broom for use with a long handled dustpan.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Brooms are well known in the art. It is common in metropolitan office buildings, apartment buildings and other structures to have the janitorial staff keep the floors of the building and the surrounding sidewalks clear of liter and debris by sweeping such liter and debris into a dustpan which is retractably mounted to a long handle. This task is performed standing by engaging a broom in a back and forth motion to sweep the debris from the floor or ground into the long handled dustpan for disposal. The broom used in such activity is typically a straight handled broom with bristles on the end. The janitor or custodian sweeps the ground or the floor with a back and forth motion often wrapping his hand around the broom in an uncomfortable grip by grasping the vertical handle of the broom from the side in an uncomfortable manner which can result in wrist and hand injuries to the user.
Brooms are known in the prior art having offset handles. Typically, these brooms are designed to facilitate use under furniture or in narrow spaces. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,315,194 and D358,934.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention a broom for sweeping up dust, litter and debris is provided. The broom includes a bottom rod and an offset top rod. A grip connects the top and bottom rods in an offset relationship. Bristles are attached to the bottom of the bottom rod to contact the floor. When the bristles contact the floor, the grip desirably slants downward toward the floor. Desirably, the grip is attached at its bottom end to the bottom rod at an angle α of from about 100° to about 150° so that the grip slants downward toward the floor. The grip is attached at its top end to the top rod at an angle β of about 100° to about 150°. The grip is located a predetermined distance above the bristles so that the grip can be grasped by the user in a standing position without bending when the bristles contact the floor. In another aspect of the invention, the bottom rod has an adjustable vertical length so that the distance of the grip from the bristles and consequently from the floor can be adjusted. This allows the vertical distance to the grip from the floor to be varied depending on the height of the user.
In another aspect of the invention, a method of sweeping a floor or sidewalk is provided. According to the method, a standing user sweeps with the broom in conjunction with a hinged dustpan having a long vertically extending handle. The user grasps the grip with one hand. Desirably the grip is held between the thumb and forefinger of the user. The hinged long handle dustpan is held with the other hand so the hinged tray of the dustpan contacts the ground or floor. The user then sweeps litter or debris from the floor or sidewalk by moving the bristles back and forth along the floor or sidewalk to move the debris into the dustpan. The user holds the grip from above between the thumb and index finger without undue strain on the wrist during use.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the drawings and examples. However, it should be expressly understood that the present invention should not be limited solely to the illustrative embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a broom according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a broom according to the invention.

FIG. 2A is a sectional view through 2A-2A of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the broom according to the invention in use along with a long handled dustpan.

FIG. 4 is a partial front view of the bottom rod of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a partial front view of an alternative bottom rod according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention a broom for sweeping up dust, litter and debris is provided. Preferably, the broom is used in conjunction with a long handled desirably hinged dustpan to sweep litter and debris from floor of a building such as an apartment or office building preferably building lobbies and surrounding sidewalks. The broom includes a bottom rod and a top rod which are offset, desirably about parallel. Bristles are attached to the bottom of the bottom rod to contact a floor. Connecting the top and bottom rods is a grip preferably a grip rod. The grip rod desirably slants downward toward the floor when the broom bristles contact the floor. Desirably, the grip is attached at its bottom end to the bottom rod at an angle α of from about 100° to about 150° preferably 100° to 140°. The grip rod is attached at its top end to the top rod at an angle β of about 100° to about 150°, preferably 100° to 140°. As a result, the grip rod slants downward toward the floor when the bottom of the broom bristles contact the floor. The grip rod is located a predetermined distance above the bristles so the user can grasp the grip rod in a standing preferably upright position when the bristles contact the floor in use. Desirably, the grip rod is located about mid-thigh of the standing user. The grip rod is desirably grasped from above with one hand by the user so that the top of the grip rod is positioned between the thumb and forefinger of the user. Desirably the top rod has a sufficient height so that it extends above the shoulder of the user. Optionally, the grip rod and the top rod are made from a single piece bent or molded or otherwise shaped to provide the slanting grip and the top rod as a single unitary piece. Such unitary structure can also optionally include the bottom rod.
In another aspect of the invention, the bottom rod has an adjustable vertical length so that the distance of the grip rod from the bristles and consequently from the floor in use can be adjusted. Desirably, the bottom rod is formed from two telescoping cylinders desirably a hollow outside cylinder and an inside cylinder mounted concentrically within the hollow outside cylinder. Movement of the inside cylinder within the hollow cylinder varies the vertical length of the bottom rod. An interlock is provided to lock the relative position of inside and outside cylinders to fix the distance of the grip rod from the bristles to a height desired by the use. Desirably, the grip rod is located slightly below the waist and substantially above the knees of the user. Desirably, the grip rod is located 2 to 6 inches below the waist of the user preferably about mid-thigh. The relative position of the two cylinders can be fixed by inserting a removable pin through holes in each cylinder. Adjustment to the location of the grip rod is made by releasing the pin and moving the inner cylinder relative to the outer cylinder and reinserting the pin. Optionally, other lock mechanisms can be used such as an indent system or a thread releasable sleeve system.
In a further aspect of the invention, an underarm support is provided. Preferably, an underarm support rod is attached to the top rod to support the user's shoulder during use of the broom. Desirably the underarm support rod forms an angle γ of 90° or less with the top rod. Desirably, the underarm support rod slants downward from the top rod toward the floor when the broom bristles contact the floor. Desirably the angle γ is from about 30° to 90° preferably 60° to 80°. Preferably the underarm support extends from the same side of the top rod as the grip rod. Desirably, the location of the underarm support is adjustable depending on the height and comfort of the user.
In another aspect of the invention a method of sweeping a floor or sidewalk is provided. According to the method, the broom according to the invention is used in conjunction with a hinged dustpan having a long vertically extending handle which is operable by a standing user. Desirably the grip rod is located between the knee and waist preferably about mid-thigh of a standing user. Preferably the user grasps the grip rod with one hand from above so that the top of the grip rod is located inbetween the thumb and forefinger of the user. The upper end of the top rod slides under the arm of the user to provide shoulder support. Preferably, an underarm support is located under the arm of the user to engage the armpit of the user to provide support. A hinged long handle dustpan is held with the other hand so the hinged tray of the dustpan contacts the ground or floor. The user then sweeps litter or debris from the floor or sidewalk by moving the broom bristles back and forth along the floor or sidewalk and moving the debris into said dustpan. The user holds the top of the grip rod between the thumb and index finger without any undue strain on the wrist during use. The upper rod and the underarm support reduce stress on the users arm and shoulder.
Referring now to the drawings as best seen in FIG. 1, a broom 10 according to the invention is provided. The broom 10 includes a top rod 12 having an upper end 14 and a lower end 16 and an offset bottom rod 20 having an upper end 22 and a threaded lower end 24. Top rod and bottom rod are connected together by grip rod 30 having a top end 32 and a bottom end 34 so that the top and bottom rods are offset horizontally when the bottom of broom bristles 46 contact the ground or floor in use. Optionally, top rod 12 extends above the shoulder of the typical user. Desirably, top rod 12, grip rod 30 and bottom rod 20 are a unitary single structure to form the rod 12, grip rod 30 and bottom rod 20 relationship. Optionally, the structure is formed by molding a plastic material to the desired shape.
The grip rod 30 is desirably padded. Grip rod 30 forms an angle β with top rod 12 of about 100° to 150° degrees, preferably 100° to 140° degrees. Grip rod 30 forms an angle α with bottom rod 20 of about 100° to 150°, preferably 100° to 140°. As a result, the rods 12 and 20 are offset from one another and grip rod 30 slants downwardly toward the ground when the bristles 46 contacts the floor. As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, bristle assembly is provided for attachment to the bottom rod. The bristle assembly 40 includes a bristle support 44 having a hole preferably a threaded hole 42 at its top for mating with threaded lower end of bottom rod in FIG. 1 or 2. Bristles 46 are attached to the lower end of bristle support 44 for contact with the floor or the ground during use.
Desirably, when the bristles 46 contact the ground or floor during sweeping, the grip rod 30 is located slightly below the waist and substantially above the knees of the user. Desirably, the grip rod is located 2 to 6 inches below the waist of the user preferably about mid-thigh of the user when the bristles contact the ground 46.
Referring to FIGS. 2-4 alternative embodiments of the broom according to the invention are provided. The broom 100 includes a top rod 12 and an offset telescoping bottom rod 60 having a threaded lower end 24. Top rod and bottom rod are connected together by grip rod 30 having a top end and a bottom end so that the top and bottom rods are offset horizontally when the broom bristles 46 contact the ground. The grip rod 30 is desirably padded. Grip rod 30 forms an angle with top rod 12 of about 100° to 150° degrees, preferably 100° to 140° degrees. Grip rod 30 forms an angle with bottom rod 60 of about 100° to 150°, preferably 100° to 140° as described with regard to FIG. 1. As a result, the rods 12 and 60 are offset from one another and grip rod 30 slants downwardly toward the ground when the bristles 46 contacts the floor. Broom 100 includes an underarm support having a support bar preferably padded bar 50. A connector desirably clamp 52 is provided at an end of support bar 50 to movably attach the support bar 50 to the top rod 12 so that support bar 50 extends from the same side of top rod 12 as does grip rod 30. Desirably the support bar 50 forms an angle γ with the top rod of from about 30° to 90°. Desirably, the underarm support bar slants downward from the top rod toward the floor when the broom bristles contact the floor. Desirably the angle γ is from 30° to 90° desirably 60° to 80°. Preferably under arm support bar extends from the same side of the top rod as the grip rod.
A screw 56 and nut 58 are provided to secure the clamp 52 to the top rod 12. The location of the underarm support can be varied by loosening the screw and moving the underarm support up or down the bottom rod as desired by the user.
As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, an alternative bottom rod 60 is shown which is desirably adjustable in length so the location of grip rod 30 off the floor can be adjusted. Telescoping bottom rod 60 has an adjustable vertical height. Rod 60 includes a hollow outer cylinder 64 for receipt of inner cylinder 66. As best seen in FIG. 4, one or more holes, desirably, a hole 62 are provided in outer cylinder 64. One or more desirably multiple holes 68 are provided along the length of inner cylinder 66. The vertical height of the bottom rod 60 can be adjusted by moving the inner cylinder 66 relative to the outer cylinder 64. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 2, multiple holes 62 may be provided along the outer cylinder. Locking pin 70 is then inserted through the hole 62 in outer cylinder 64 and in one of the holes 68 in inner cylinder 66 to lock the relative position of the inner and outer cylinders. As a result, the height of the bottom rod 60 and consequently the height of the grip rod can be adjusted depending on the desires of the user. Preferably, the grip rod 30 height can be adjusted six (6) inches or more depending on the desires of the user. Desirably, the grip rod height is adjusted so that it will be two (2) to six (6) inches below the waist of the user, preferably about mid-thigh high of the user. This adjustment is performed by moving the inner cylinder 66 relative to the outer cylinder 64 of the bottom rod 60 depending on the height of the user so that the grip rod 30 will be in a comfortable position. The underarm support 50 can be adjusted by unloosening the screw and nut attaching the support to the upper rod and sliding the support up or down the upper rod to a comfortable position for the user.
As best seen in relation to FIG. 3, according to the invention, a method of sweeping a floor or sidewalk is provided. According to the method, the broom 100 according to the invention is used in conjunction with a hinged dustpan 80 having a long vertically extending handle 82 which is operable by a standing user. Desirably the grip rod 30 is located between knee and waist preferably about mid-thigh of a standing user. The grip rod 30 is grasped with one hand by the user so that the grip rod 30 is located between the thumb and forefinger of the user. The top rod 12 slides under the arm of the user and desirably extends above the shoulder of the user to provide shoulder support. Preferably, an underarm support having a padded bar 50 is provided. In use, the padded bar 50 extends under the arm of the user to engage the armpit of the user to provide support. A hinged long handle dustpan 80 is held with the other hand so the hinged tray 86 of the dustpan 80 contacts the ground or floor. The user then sweeps litter or debris from the floor or sidewalk by moving the broom bristles 46 back and forth along the floor or sidewalk and moving the debris into the hinged tray 86. The user holds the grip rod 30 from the top between the thumb and index finger without any undue strain on the wrist during use. The upper rod 12 and the underarm support bar 50 reduce stress on the users arm and shoulder. The height of the grip rod 30 of FIGS. 2 and 3 can be adjusted as desired by the user. Desirably the location of the grip rod in use is adjusted to between the knee and the waist preferably about mid-thigh of the standing user as shown in FIG. 3. To adjust the height of the grip bar 30, pin 70 is pulled and the inner cylinder 66 is moved within cylinder 64 to move grip rod 30 to the desired height. The pin 70 is then reinserted through holes 62 and 68 to lock the location the cylinders 66 and 64 and consequently the location of the grip rod 30 above the floor. The broom is then move back and forth in a sweeping motion. As a result, the broom is held in a more natural manner with less stress on the user's hands and wrists.
As best seen in FIG. 5, a further alternative embodiment of an adjustable bottom rod according to the invention is provided. Adjustable bottom rod 110 is provided according to the invention. The bottom rod 110 includes a hollow cylinder 114. Concentrically mounted within hollow cylinder 114 is inner cylinder 116 which is slidable within the hollow outer cylinder 114. Extending from the hollow cylinder is a cylindrical insert 122 having a hollow interior to allow slidable movement of the inner cylinder through the cylindrical insert 122. Threads are provide around the outside lower periphery of insert 122. At the top of cylindrical insert 122 are compressible fingers 118 which grip inner cylinder 116 when compressed. A locking cap 120 having an open top is provided through which the inner cylinder 116 is slidable. The locking cap 120 preferably has a circular hole at the top end to allow the passage of the inner cylinder 116. The top of the inner cylinder 116 is connected to the grip rod as described in connection with FIGS. 2 through 4. The bottom of the hollow cylinder is connected to the bristle assembly as described in connection with FIGS. 2 through 4. The length of the bottom rod is adjusted by loosing the locking cap and moving the inner cylinder 116 relative to the outer cylinder 114.
In use, the height of the rod is adjusted by moving the inner cylinder 116 relative to the outer cylinder 114. The locking cap is then screwed down over the outer cylinder to engage the threads 112. Locking cap 120 has internal threads to interlock with threads 112. When the locking cap is screwed down, the compressible fingers 118 are compressed to grip the inner cylinder and hold it in the desired position and therefore determine the length of the bottom rod 110.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only to the principals of the invention. Further, since numerous changes and modification will occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described above, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A broom comprising;

a) a bottom rod having a top and bottom;

b) a top rod having a top and a bottom, said top rod offset from said bottom rod;

c) a grip having a top end and a bottom end connecting said top and said bottom rods;

d) said grip attached at its bottom end to said bottom rod top;

e) said grip attached at its top end to said top rod bottom end;

f) bristles attached to the bottom of said bottom rod having a distal end to contact a floor;

g) said grip slanting downward toward said floor when said bristles distal end contact said floor; said grip rod located a predetermined distance above said bristles distal end for grasping by a user in a standing position, whereby the user can sweep in a standing position while grasping said grip rod.

2. The broom according to claim 1 wherein said grip is a rod.

3. The broom according to claim 1 wherein said grip and said top rod are a single unitary piece.

4. The broom according to claim 2 wherein in d) said grip rod is attached at its bottom end to said bottom rod top to form an angle α of from about 100° to about 150°; and in e) said grip rod attached at its top end to said top rod bottom to form an angle β of about 100° to about 150°.

5. The broom according to claim 2 wherein said bottom rod has an adjustable vertical length so that the distance of said grip rod from said bristles distal end can be adjusted.

6. The broom according to claim 5 wherein said bottom rod is a telescoping rod.

7. The broom according to claim 6 wherein said telescoping rod includes a first hollow cylinder, and a second cylinder mounted concentrically within said first hollow cylinder so the movement of said second cylinder within said first cylinder varies the vertical length of said bottom rod; an interlock to fix the relative position of said first and said second cylinders.

8. The broom according to claim 2 wherein said bottom rod and said top rod are substantially parallel.

9. The broom according to claim 2 wherein said grip rod is located in at about mid-thigh of a standing user.

10. The broom according to claim 1 further comprising an underarm support extending from said top rod to provide user support for the user during sweeping.

11. The broom according to claim 10 wherein said underarm support forms a 30° to 90° angle γ with said top rod.

12. The broom according to claim 11 further wherein said underarm support forms an angle γ with said top rod of from 60° to 80°.

13. The broom according to claim 11 wherein said underarm support is located at a preselected location on said top rod.

14. The broom according to claim 13 wherein said preselected location of said underarm support on said top rod is adjustable.

15. The broom according to claim 2 wherein during use said top rod extends under the arm of a user to provide shoulder support while sweeping.

16. The broom according to claim 12 wherein angle β is 100° to 140°.

17. The broom according to claim 16 wherein angle α is 100° to 140°.

18. A broom comprising;

a) a bottom rod having a top and bottom;

c) a grip rod having a top end and a bottom end connecting said top and said bottom rods;

d) said grip rod attached at its bottom end to said bottom rod top to form an angle α of from about 100° to about 140°;

e) said grip rod attached at its top end to said top rod bottom end to form an angle β of about 100° to about 140°;

f) bristles attached to the bottom of said bottom rod to contact a floor;

g) said grip rod located a predetermined distance above said bristles for grasping by a user in a standing position;

h) said bottom rod having an adjustable vertical length so that the distance of said grip rod from said bristles can be adjusted;

i) an underarm support extending from said top rod to provide support for the user during sweeping.

19. The broom according to claim 18 wherein said underarm support forms an angle γ with said top rod of from 30° to 90°.

20. The broom according to claim 19 wherein said angle γ 60° to 80°.

21. A method of sweeping a floor or sidewalk comprising;

a) providing a broom comprising

i) a bottom rod having a top and bottom; and a top rod having a top and a bottom; a grip rod having a top end and a bottom end;

ii) said grip rod attached at said bottom end to said bottom rod top to form an angle α of from about 100° to about 150°; said grip rod attached at said top end to said top rod bottom end to form an angle β of about 100° to about 150°;

iii) bristles having a proximate end attached to the bottom of said bottom rod and a distal end to contact a floor; said grip rod located about waist-high of the user when said distal end of said bristles contract said floor;

b) providing a dust pan having a long handle operable in a standing position;

c) grasping said grip rod from above said grip rod with one hand with the grip rod located in between the thumb and forefinger of the user; and

d) grasping said long handle of said dust pan with one hand;

e) sweeping debris from said floor or sidewalk by move said bristles back and forth along said floor or sidewalk and moving said debris into said dustpan.

22. The method of claim 21 further comprising wherein placing top rod under the arm of a user said top rod extending above the shoulder of the user to provide shoulder support during use.

23. The method of claim 21 further comprising an underarm support extending from said top rod; locating said underarm support under the arm of the user to provide support during use.